The Planning & Zoning Commission has the duty to make and adopt plans for the physical development of the city and "review authority" within two miles of the city. The commission is a recommending body to the city council. Subdivision regulations have been adopted to provide for harmonious development of the city and its environs, for the integration of new subdivision streets with other existing or planned streets, for adequate open spaces for traffic, recreation, light and air, and for the distribution of population and traffic in a manner which will tend to create conditions favorable to health, safety, convenience, or prosperity.

Zoning regulations have been adopted to serve the public health, safety, and general welfare of the city and its two mile surrounding jurisdiction, to classify property in a manner that reflects its suitability for specific uses, to provide for sounds, attractive development within the city and its two mile jurisdiction, to encourage compatibility of adjacent land uses, to protect environmentally sensitive areas, and to further the objectives of the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City of Clear Lake.

The Clear Lake Planning and Zoning Commission consists of seven (7) members who are citizens of the City of Clear Lake. Members are appointed by the Ctiy Council for terms of five years. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, at City Hall, 15 N. 6th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa. Applications for change of zone, subdivisions, etc., can be obtained from the Ctiy Building Department at 1419 2nd Ave. S., Clear Lake, Iowa, 357-6135. Applications must be filed on or before the 15th of each month to be heard at the following month's Commission meeting.